This chapter describes the rapidly changing human-animal relationship and its implications. The impact of the long-lasting focus on just the productivity and efficiency of livestock production on the animals in human custody is contrasted with the modern expectations of society on how to keep and treat animals decently. Simultaneously, the difficulties of implementing well-known possibilities for improving the quality of life of our food animals are explained. Ways for solutions for both the transformation of the existing intensive livestock production into sustainably intensive and animal-friendly husbandry systems, and for optimizing the often-suboptimal care for the animals are discussed. It is argued that most animal welfare activists focus only on providing the animals with animal-friendly housing conditions but underestimate the impact of the quality of animal care and disease prevention. The chapter also highlights the adverse effects of animal disease on livestock productivity, human health (zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance), and the environment.